Individual of interest in custody in execution-style killing of Texas deputy

HOUSTON (KTRK/KPRC/CNN) – According to KTRK, an individual of interest remains in custody but no charges have been filed in the assassination of a sheriff’s deputy at a gasoline station in the Houston metro area.

A guy assassinated a sheriff’s deputy at a gasoline station in what cops said seems an unprovoked, execution-style killing. A manhunt is underway.

“A witness called 911 to let us know one of our deputies had been shot, numerous devices arrived, EMS showed up on scene. Sadly the deputy passed,” said Deputy Thomas Gilliland with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

The deputy is identified as 47-year-old Darren Goforth, a 10-year veteran who was wed with two youngsters.

“I have been in law enforcement 45 years. I do not remember another occurrence this cold-blooded and cowardly,” stated Harris County Constable Ron Hickman.

Authorities said the uniformed deputy was refueling his patrol car Friday evening when a man, caught on security video camera, turned up behind him and opened fire.

“The deputy then fell to the ground. The suspect then continued over to him and once again shot the deputy numerous times as he lay on the ground,” Gilliland said.

The suspect then ran away the scene in a red or maroon Ford Ranger pickup truck, which was also captured on surveillance video.

“How bizarre is this? It’s a very bizarre incident. It’s tough enough being a deputy and being in police in this nation right now, but for people the way that they correct now. I have no words for what this kind of person did,” Gilliland said.

There’s no noticeable intention in the case. The deputy had investigated a mishap about half an hour before the attack. Cops are checking out whether there’s any connection.

“I think it’s important to request for the prayers of our community, for this deputy, his household, and our department household,” Hickman stated.